7 Tips For Handling Debates With Your Conspiracy Theorist

If you haven't argued with a conspiracy theorist, you've never had the pleasure of fighting to the death over topics that have little to no validation.

They see connections where most people would see coincidences or no relevant association. Almost everything can be verified by a questionable Instagram video or image. And they're about as passionate about their beliefs as I am about pizza.

Considering a lot of theories involve the government covering something up, you have to figure there has to be some things our government doesn't want us to know.

There must be some rudimentary truth to some of the speculations. And there are definitely theories out there that seem almost verifiable, if not relevant enough to make you question things.

But I'm talking about the type of conspiracy theorist that is down for whatever. This is the type of believer who searches the internet for ideologies to add to their ever growing list of theories.

The hardcore lover of fake news who is always “woke.”

They don't just believe in one or two theories. Oh no, they believe in everything that hits the net that seems to be an undercover operation.

You'll discover the hardest thing to do is to have simple conversations with friends who are this deep into controversial speculations without arguing.

I have two conspiracy experts in my circle, and they can go from zero to 100 real quick. You can start off talking about the weather, and it will turn into a heated argument on the government's attempt to profit over global warming.

The catch-22 is any proof you bring to the conversation can always be interpreted as a cover-up, so there's no definitive way to prove the conspiracies are not true.

Not to worry, here's a list of ways you can have reasonable debates with your conspiracy theory-believing friends without resorting to throwing plates at them:

1. Allow them to explain their logic

You have to imagine the most infuriating part of believing in conspiracy theories has to be the inability to prove, without a reasonable doubt, what you think is a fact.

It can also be frustrating to want to explain why you feel strongly about something and be shut down mid-conversation because someone else thinks what you're saying is radical.

Although you may not agree with your friend's point of view, allow them to explain the reasons why they are devoted to their beliefs. It will ease the tension of the conversation by permitting them to justify why they believe their unconventional theory.

2. Don't try to impose your views on them

The same way you would hate for someone to try to force you to believe there's an elite reptilian race running a covert operation in the midst of our government, don't try to force your friend to think the way you do.

Respect their views, and don't insult your friend for believing in them, no matter how ridiculous their ideas may seem to you.

4. Don't roll your eyes

5. Ask them to remain calm

If their voices begin to rise or they begin to refer to you as “sheeple,” let them know there's no need for the conversation to get heated.

It's a friendly debate, and it shouldn't escalate to something more serious. Asking them to calm down will bring the conversation back to center and if they can't talk without being belligerent, change the subject.